I'm just a fully insured guy that can't afford medical treatment

[mdmc]

I have Rheumatoid arthritis - in order to see my Rheumotologist and other medical treatment providers (including physical therapy) I need to spend about $520.oo per month. This $520.oo covers my medications also.
I only have about $200.oo per month to spend. So I go without treatment.

I support this bill, but would love some help accessing affordable medical treatment, as my for-profit health insurance does not offer me the access I need.

So that is why I think this bill is crappy. It doesn't help the working poor that require medical treatment. I was fine until I got sick. Now I am in jeopardy of becoming disabled..

[Fumesucker]

1. I've read your story several times now and I empathize with you..

The ones who are celebrating the passage of this bill don't seem to give a damn about your all too common situation.

Indeed, it seems that they want to force more people into the category of "have insurance I can't afford to make use of".

[ProSense]

2. What you are paying now is likely not what you will pay after reform

You may be eligible for subsidies and/or an exemption and will have access to more choices including a non-profit plan, your out of pocket expenses will also be capped.

I think reform will help you tremendously.

[mdmc]

5. I know you think that

God bless you..

Unfortunately, only the funding for Community Health Centers will help me. Maybe the free "preventive" care will help too..

Sadly, I am just too sick and/or don't earn enough money for the health insurance industry to profit from me. This bill would help me if I didn't need medical treatment or if I could afford medical treatment..

Don't get me wrong, I support passing the bill. I just think that the bill will not lead to affordable access to medical treatment for working people (that get their insurance through their employer)..

[ProSense]

6. "I support passing the bill." Here's the thing:

you may think the bill will not help, but every evidence points to it helping, whether through subsidies or other provisions.

The fact is the $520 is not likely what you will be paying after reform.

[mdmc]

8. Time alone, time will tell

I really beleive that if working people see their medical costs go down, the dems will be booming. If working people see their medical costs go up, the dems will be bust..

Actually, isn't a checkup considered 'preventive care'? Thats free under the bill. Thats a perk.

If I'm paying less a year from now I'll buy ya a coke.

At least the bill will be law soon enough..

time alone time will tell..

[readmoreoften]

3. My partner is transgendered and has insurance, but no doctors in our (large) city provide care

so he'd have to go to Houston or Dallas, which is out-of-system. So when he went on testosterone, he was unable to see an endocrinologist even though he previously had thyroid cancer. Everything is a wing and a prayer--even with insurance.

I had to have a test because they "thought I could have cancer" instead of just gastritis. No cancer, but the test cost me over $1500 in out of pocket medical bills. At the time we were both living under the federal poverty level.

[happy_liberal]

4. you need a miracle

we all need a miracle to survive our health care system.

I pursue natural medicine to protect and prevent problems in my family.

[KatyaR]

7. I feel for you--I'm in somewhat the same boat as well.

I'm fully insured through my employer and have just been diagnosed with bilateral cataracts. It's probably going to be a while before I need surgery, but the kind of lenses my doctor was talking about implanting are $3,000 to $6,000 for each eye AFTER insurance. I could sell everything I have and still not be able to pay for even one implant. I'm really worried--this is the first time I've had anything truly serious that could affect my quality of life than I may not be able to afford.

Let's hope that HCR gives us something positive, but I'm not holding my breath.

[branders seine]

9. that's how I spent the last five years.

insured, but couldn't afford to use it.

[laughingliberal]

10. Take heart! After the bill passes you will have lots more company! nt

[mdmc]

11. yesyesyes

me and old misery..

peace and low stress..